IFCCA General Assembly 2026: Strengthening Our Global Community

NETWORKING
Written By sanja frkanec

On 6 June 2026, representatives from 39 patient associations gathered in Brussels for the IFCCA General Assembly 2026, the Federation's most important annual meeting. Bringing together member organisations from across the world, the Assembly provided an opportunity to reflect on the past year, strengthen international collaboration and shape the future of IFCCA.

The General Assembly is at the heart of IFCCA's mission, offering members a unique space to exchange experiences, share good practices and work together towards a common goal: improving the lives of people living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

A Growing Global Network

This year's Assembly marked another important milestone for our international community. IFCCA officially welcomed Colombia, Costa Rica and Uruguay as new full member associations, while Australia, Chile, Georgia and Turkey joined as observer organisations.

With these additions, IFCCA now represents 51 member associations worldwide, reflecting the continued growth of our Federation and our commitment to strengthening the global patient voice.

Electing the IFCCA Board

A key moment of the Assembly was the election of the IFCCA Board for the 2026–2027 term.

Members re-elected Salvatore Leone as Chairperson, ensuring continuity in the Federation's leadership, while also welcoming two newly elected Board members: Olivera Ćulibrk from Serbia and Anastasia Ntanou from Greece.

The IFCCA Board for 2026–2027 is composed of:

  • Salvatore Leone – Chairperson

  • Maria Cândida Cruz – Vice-President

  • Josef Busuttil – Honorary Secretary

  • Magdalena Sajak-Szczerba – Board Member

  • Olivera Ćulibrk – Board Member

  • Anastasia Ntanou – Board Member

  • Alexandra Mitria – IFCCA Youth Group Leader and Board Member

Meet the new IFCCA Board

Together, the Board combines experience with fresh perspectives and will continue to guide IFCCA's work in advocacy, networking, research and patient empowerment.

Looking Ahead Together

The Assembly also highlighted the important contribution of the IFCCA Youth Group, whose presentation showcased ongoing activities and future plans, reinforcing IFCCA's commitment to supporting the next generation of patient advocates.

Following the General Assembly, many participants also attended the 2nd GlycanTrigger Patients' Symposium, where patients, clinicians and researchers explored the latest developments in IBD research and discussed the importance of meaningful patient involvement in scientific innovation.

As IFCCA continues to grow, the General Assembly remains much more than a governance meeting. It is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, welcome new organisations and reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring that the voices of people living with IBD are heard around the world.

We would like to thank all member associations for their participation, engagement and continued dedication. Together, we are building a stronger global community for people living with IBD.

Watch the highlights

Relive some of the key moments from the IFCCA General Assembly 2026 by watching our highlights video:

Watch the video
sanja frkanec
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